The UK Government Spend £150 Million on Translation Services

It was estimated in 2006 that the UK Government spend approximately £150 million on translation services. This huge figure demonstrates the importance of multilingual communication and translation services.

With the number of people migrating to the UK on the rise, the demand for translators and interpreters is high. However some are arguing that this figure is inaccurate and the Government could be investing as much as £500 million, with the Home Office alone spending £50 million on their translation and interpreting needs.

The various Government agencies using translation services include the Citizens Advice Bureau, 650 councils across the country and the NHS. Ruth Kelly, the former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, had previously asked for a review of language services across all Government departments.

Any review of Government spending would further highlight the need for increased investment in language services. The Race Relations Act supports this view detailing that all parts of the community should have access to all services regardless of the language they speak. However, The Human Rights Act only insists on provision of translation and interpreting services if someone is arrested or charged with a criminal offence. We live in a multicultural society and benefit from cultural diversity, the Government is clearly aware of this benefit and as a consequence invests significant funds into providing language services to all.